Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012
“Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012”
12 teams from around the world vie for the championship
at Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club
(Tianjin, China, February 9, 2012) – Hosted by the Equestrian Association of China and the Federation of International Polo (FIP), Asia’s first ever “Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012” (“Snow Polo World Cup”) saw four teams remain after seven days of competition at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club (“Metropolitan Polo Club”). The Tournament is drawing a large number of prestigious guests including polo professionals and prominent elites.
There are altogether twelve teams taking part in this year’s tournament and each team’s handicap ranges from 14-16, making this international high-goal tournament one of the largest in the world. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, England, Hong Kong, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA were all competing to become the first winners of the inaugural Snow Polo World Cup. All are members of the Federation of International Polo (FIP).
“Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012” Four Semi-Finalists Announced
After seven days of vigorous competition, four of the eight quarter-finalists will now progress to the semi-finals.
The first game of the quarter-finals today where England took on New Zealand, was officially started by Mr. Patrick Nesbitt, President of United States Polo Association, who threw in the ball into the arena to the two competing teams. After a frenzied first chukka England scored two goals while New Zealand scored one. England held onto this narrow lead throughout the second chukka, before powering ahead to win 6 goals to 4 in the final chukka.
Hong Kong, China met France in the second quarter-final, where Dr. Richard Thomas Caleel, FIP Council of Administration Governor of USPA, initiated the game by throwing in the ball. Hong Kong, China took an early lead. France equalized in the second chukka however, Hong Kong, China managed to break away in the third chukka, beating France 5:4. Hong Kong, China will be taking on England in the first semi-final game on February 11.
Mr. Asad Jumabhoy, Executive Committee Member, FIP, initiated the third game of the day between South Africa and Australia. South Africa took an early lead, although Australia managed to bridge the gap in the second chukka to level the scores at 3:3. As the game went into its final stages though, South Africa scored another 2 goals to extend their lead and take the win, with a final score of 5:3.
The final match of the day was the quarter-final between Argentina and Chile, initiated by Ms. Martha McClellan, Director of Pan Estate and winemaker of “Sloan”. Both teams scored in the first chukka, although Argentina edged ahead with a one goal advantage. They went into the second chukka with energy and intent and extended that lead to three points. Chile fought back in the final chukka, but Argentina’s lead was too great and the game ended Argentina 6: Chile 4.
The semi-finals will take place on Saturday February 11 with Hong Kong, China playing England, and Argentina against South Africa.
“Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012” Semi-Finals Qualifiers competing on Saturday February 11
First Game: England vs Hong Kong, China
Second Game: South Africa vs Argentina
The qualified teams will then proceed to the Final this coming Sunday on February 12.
Information on “Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012”
Opening hours: Gate opens at 11am
Match Time: 1pm to 4pm
Address: No.16 Hai Tai Hua Ke Ju Lu Bin Hai Gao Xin Qu, Tianjin 300384, China